Namrata Das
Chapter 1: The Vanishing Act
The early morning sun filtered through the glass windows of the high-rise building, casting long shadows over the boardroom table where Vikram Khandelwal, CEO of Khandelwal Technologies, had sat just days ago. The office now stood eerily silent, devoid of its usual buzz, as the city of Bangalore continued its relentless pace outside. Vikram’s sudden disappearance had left everyone in shock. The multi-billion-dollar merger between Khandelwal Technologies and Rathi Innovations, set to redefine the Indian tech landscape, had fallen apart without explanation. In a matter of hours, a corporate juggernaut had crumbled, and the man who held the company’s future in his hands had vanished into thin air. His office remained untouched—a sharp contrast to the whirlwind that had engulfed the company’s executives and board members in the days following his disappearance. Documents lay scattered across Vikram’s desk, an unfinished email still visible on his computer screen, and a single coffee mug, half-full, rested at the corner as though waiting for its owner to return. The police had come and gone, their preliminary investigation yielding nothing. All they knew was that Vikram had been last seen leaving a high-profile meeting at the company headquarters, a day before the merger was announced to be canceled. But what happened after that was anyone’s guess. His car had been found in a secluded area on the outskirts of the city, untouched, with no sign of a struggle. No ransom note, no witnesses, just an open puzzle box that seemed impossible to solve.
It was at this juncture that Kabir Deshmukh was called in. A private investigator with a reputation for solving cases that others couldn’t touch, Kabir had made a name for himself by cracking high-profile cases that blurred the lines between the criminal underworld and the corporate world. A former police officer who had left the force under a cloud of scandal, Kabir was no stranger to the shadows that lurked beneath the polished surface of Bangalore’s elite circles. Known for his sharp intellect and unorthodox investigative methods, he wasn’t fazed by the complex layers of corporate politics that surrounded the case. Kabir arrived at Khandelwal Technologies’ towering headquarters with a quiet, almost detached air, his tall figure moving swiftly through the security check without a word. Inside, he was met with wary eyes and an air of uncertainty that seemed to seep into the very walls of the building. The high-rise that once symbolized corporate triumph now felt like a haunted fortress, the very air pregnant with unanswered questions. Kabir was led to the executive floor, where he was introduced to Isha Deshmukh, the ambitious Vice President of the company. She was poised, but the tension in her eyes was impossible to miss. Isha’s face held the kind of carefully cultivated calm that only those deeply entrenched in corporate power could maintain. She spoke with a practiced tone, listing the facts of the merger, Vikram’s key role, and the disastrous collapse that followed. But Kabir could see the cracks—her forced calmness, the barely noticeable twitch of her hand as she fumbled through the documents on her desk. She knew more than she was letting on, but Kabir had learned long ago to wait for the truth to reveal itself. He didn’t push her yet. Instead, he took in the room—the photographs of Vikram and Isha at various corporate events, the polished furniture, the carefully curated environment that spoke of success, power, and influence. But beneath it, Kabir sensed a festering undercurrent of something darker. He could feel the tension in the air—the power struggles, the betrayals that lay just beneath the surface.
The deeper Kabir dug into the case, the more questions he encountered, and the fewer answers were forthcoming. The company’s PR team had already begun damage control, painting Vikram’s disappearance as a personal matter, a result of the immense stress he’d faced over the failed merger. But Kabir didn’t buy it. He knew that high-stakes corporate deals like the one involving Khandelwal Technologies and Rathi Innovations didn’t fall apart due to stress alone. Something more was at play. Someone wanted Vikram out of the picture, and that someone had gone to great lengths to ensure that his disappearance would look like an accident. But Kabir’s instincts told him otherwise. Corporate espionage, power struggles, and hidden agendas were just as common in Bangalore’s tech scene as they were in the underworld, and Kabir had tangled with both. He could already sense the ripple effects of something much larger, a conspiracy that involved more than just the failed merger. As he left the executive floor and made his way down to the parking garage, Kabir’s thoughts turned to the other key players in this game. Rajeev Sharma, the CFO, a man with a reputation for being calculating and ruthless; Neha Rathi, CEO of Rathi Innovations, whose rival company had been in talks to acquire Khandelwal Technologies—perhaps there were old rivalries at play, and Vikram’s disappearance was merely the tip of the iceberg. Kabir’s mind raced with possibilities, each one more dangerous than the last. But for now, he needed more information, and he was certain that the answers lay not just in the company’s books but in the untold stories of those who operated behind the scenes. As Kabir stepped into his car and drove away from the gleaming tower of Khandelwal Technologies, he felt a sense of foreboding settle over him. This case was only just beginning, and the path to finding Vikram would lead him into places where the truth was often buried beneath layers of deception and betrayal.
Chapter 2: Secrets in the Shadows
Kabir Deshmukh spent the next few days digging through the murky waters of corporate politics, meeting with various key figures within Khandelwal Technologies. Each conversation felt like he was peeling back a layer of an onion, only to discover another hidden layer beneath. The more he learned, the more he realized that Vikram Khandelwal’s disappearance was just the beginning of a much deeper, more complex story. His first official meeting was with Isha Deshmukh, the ambitious Vice President of Khandelwal Technologies, whose connection to Vikram went beyond mere business. As Kabir sat across from her in the sleek, minimalist conference room, he couldn’t help but notice how controlled she was. Her perfectly manicured nails, her crisp white shirt tucked neatly into tailored pants, and the confident, practiced way she spoke—it all screamed of someone who had mastered the art of maintaining composure under pressure. Isha was the company’s face—young, sharp, and powerful. She had been with Vikram for years, climbing up the corporate ladder until she eventually became his second-in-command. She spoke of the merger, the plans they had made, the late-night meetings, and the sudden collapse of everything when Vikram vanished. However, Kabir could sense the tension behind her words. There were too many details that felt rehearsed, too many glances toward the door as if she were waiting for someone to interrupt. She was hiding something. Kabir didn’t push her immediately. Instead, he let her speak, listening carefully to the smallest inconsistencies. He was not in a hurry; he knew better than anyone that in cases like this, patience often yielded more than force.
The breakthrough came when Kabir asked about Neha Rathi, the CEO of Rathi Innovations, the rival company involved in the collapsed merger. Isha’s demeanor shifted ever so slightly, a flicker of something—anger, perhaps?—crossed her face. Neha Rathi, Kabir knew, was a force to be reckoned with. She had built Rathi Innovations into one of the most successful tech companies in India, using aggressive expansion strategies that often blurred the lines between ethical business practices and sheer corporate warfare. There had always been rumors of a rivalry between Vikram and Neha—some said it was personal, others claimed it was professional. Either way, Kabir could feel the weight of the unspoken animosity in the room. Isha leaned forward and, in a rare moment of candor, revealed something Kabir hadn’t expected. She mentioned that Vikram had once confided in her about Neha’s obsession with acquiring Khandelwal Technologies. “She wanted this company for years,” Isha said, her voice lowering to a near whisper. “Vikram wouldn’t have let it happen—not without a fight. But the merger was his idea. He thought it was the best way to safeguard the future of Khandelwal Technologies. He believed in it… until it all went wrong.” Kabir nodded, filing away the information in his mind. Neha’s involvement was more than just professional rivalry. There was a personal vendetta, a deep desire for control. He could see why someone like Neha would want Vikram out of the picture, but the question remained: Did she have the means and motive to orchestrate his disappearance?
Kabir’s next stop was Rajeev Sharma, the Chief Financial Officer of Khandelwal Technologies. If there was anyone who could reveal the financial backstory behind the merger and the company’s sudden collapse, it was Rajeev. The CFO’s office was an intimidating space, filled with dark wood and expensive art, a clear reflection of the man himself. Rajeev, a man in his fifties with graying hair and sharp, calculating eyes, exuded power. He was a silent force within the company, known for his ability to balance the books, manipulate figures, and keep the financial operations running like a well-oiled machine. But Kabir sensed that Rajeev’s control went beyond numbers. When Kabir mentioned the merger and asked about the company’s financial situation in the wake of Vikram’s disappearance, Rajeev’s expression grew cold. “I’m not sure what you’re trying to imply, Mr. Deshmukh,” Rajeev said, his voice low but tinged with authority. “The merger collapsed because of factors beyond our control. We had no choice but to move on and focus on stabilizing the company.” Kabir studied Rajeev closely. The way his fingers tapped rhythmically against his desk, the slight narrowing of his eyes when the merger was mentioned—it was all too calculated. Kabir had dealt with men like Rajeev before. They were always careful with their words, always dodging direct questions. But Kabir wasn’t easily deterred. He pressed on, subtly suggesting that the financial discrepancies, the sudden loss of investor confidence, and the failed merger all pointed to something more than just “external factors.” Rajeev’s jaw tightened, but he remained silent. Kabir knew there was more beneath the surface—Rajeev had likely been involved in the merger negotiations, and his motives for the deal’s failure would be crucial to uncover. But for now, he decided to let it go. He had gathered enough to know that Rajeev was hiding something, and it was only a matter of time before it all came to light.
As Kabir left the CFO’s office, he couldn’t shake the feeling that the deeper he dug into Khandelwal Technologies, the more entangled everything became. Neha Rathi, Rajeev Sharma, Isha Deshmukh—each person had their own motives, their own ambitions, and their own skeletons in the closet. But there was one thing that didn’t add up: Vikram Khandelwal’s disappearance wasn’t just a corporate power struggle. There was something far more sinister at play, something that had yet to reveal itself. Kabir couldn’t help but feel that the missing pieces of the puzzle were still out of reach, but every interview, every clue brought him one step closer. And as he left the towering glass building of Khandelwal Technologies, Kabir realized that this case was far more than just a missing CEO—it was a labyrinth of deceit, betrayal, and corporate espionage, and he had only just scratched the surface.
Chapter 3: The Web of Deceit
Kabir’s investigation into the inner workings of Khandelwal Technologies deepened with each passing day. The more he unearthed, the clearer it became that Vikram Khandelwal’s disappearance wasn’t merely a personal matter or a tragic accident—it was a carefully orchestrated move in a much larger corporate game. Kabir had already spoken to Isha Deshmukh and Rajeev Sharma, but the further he dug, the more players emerged from the shadows. Vikram’s sudden vanishing, timed perfectly with the failure of the merger, had the unmistakable scent of sabotage. Kabir now turned his attention to the company’s financials and began to piece together a disturbing pattern. The merger with Rathi Innovations, which had appeared to be a promising venture, had actually been fraught with tension from the start. Despite public statements of harmony between the two companies, Kabir uncovered internal memos that hinted at hidden financial struggles and a series of questionable transactions. Vikram had been dealing with significant debts, and the merger, which had been painted as a strategic move for growth, may have been the last desperate attempt to secure the future of Khandelwal Technologies. Yet, Kabir could feel that something was off about the entire deal. There were gaps in the narrative—key stakeholders had been left out of crucial meetings, financial reports had been manipulated, and worst of all, key details of the merger were being kept hidden from even the most senior executives. It wasn’t just about money; it was about power. Someone had been playing a dangerous game, and Vikram had become a pawn in it.
As Kabir dug deeper, the name Neha Rathi, the CEO of Rathi Innovations, became more prominent in his investigation. The rival company had been at the center of the failed merger, but Kabir quickly learned that Neha’s involvement went far beyond business rivalry. He learned of her highly ambitious nature, her desire to dominate the tech industry, and the cutthroat tactics she employed to get ahead. Neha had built Rathi Innovations into one of the leading firms in the country, but her meteoric rise had come with a trail of broken alliances and destroyed careers. Kabir’s hunches began to solidify—Neha was not merely interested in the merger for the sake of business. She had been trying to gain control of Khandelwal Technologies for years. What he didn’t expect was the discovery of something even more alarming: Neha had a personal vendetta against Vikram Khandelwal. Years ago, the two had been business partners, but a bitter falling out had severed their professional relationship. Neha’s obsession with controlling Vikram’s company had turned into a personal crusade. The more Kabir learned about their history, the clearer it became that Vikram’s disappearance wasn’t just about corporate strategy. It was a culmination of years of resentment, manipulation, and unbridled ambition. Kabir couldn’t ignore the possibility that Neha Rathi, with her sharp business mind and ruthless tendencies, had orchestrated the entire situation to finally take control of Khandelwal Technologies, even if it meant pushing Vikram aside—permanently.
Kabir’s next step took him to Rohan Bhatia, a junior executive at Khandelwal Technologies, whose name had surfaced in a few of the internal documents Kabir had reviewed. Rohan, despite being a relatively low-ranking employee, had access to crucial data that connected the dots between the merger, the missing financial reports, and a series of unaccounted transactions. Kabir met Rohan at a small café in the city, away from the prying eyes of his colleagues. The young man seemed nervous, glancing around every few seconds, but Kabir could sense his discomfort was more about fear than guilt. Rohan explained that he had worked closely with Vikram on various projects, including some highly confidential ones related to the merger. However, Rohan seemed hesitant to divulge much more, as if afraid of the consequences. Kabir pushed him further, gently coaxing the truth out of him. Eventually, Rohan revealed that there had been whispers of corporate espionage within the company for months leading up to the merger. Rathi Innovations had been involved in gathering intel on Khandelwal Technologies’ most valuable assets, and Vikram had suspected someone on the inside was feeding information to their competitors. It seemed that, in his final days, Vikram had become paranoid, suspecting that his trusted circle might be compromised. Kabir immediately realized the implications of Rohan’s words—Vikram’s disappearance wasn’t just a result of corporate failure or personal vengeance. Someone from within the company had been leaking information to Neha, sabotaging the merger from the inside. Kabir’s gut told him that the corporate espionage ran deeper than anyone had imagined, and the players involved were far more dangerous than a mere business rivalry.
Kabir’s mind raced as he processed the information. The conspiracy had many layers, and each layer led him closer to the truth, but also deeper into a maze of deceit and manipulation. As he left the café, Kabir couldn’t shake the feeling that he was being watched. The case had shifted from a simple missing persons investigation to something far more complex—something that could unravel the very fabric of corporate power in Bangalore. As he walked down the street, he looked up at the towering buildings around him—symbols of wealth, influence, and control. But now, all he saw were giants casting long shadows, hiding secrets that, if exposed, could topple them all. Kabir knew he was getting closer to finding Vikram, but the closer he got, the more dangerous the game became. The stakes were higher than he had ever anticipated, and now, he had to decide just how far he was willing to go to uncover the truth.
Chapter 4: Whispers of the Past
Kabir’s investigation into the collapse of the merger and Vikram Khandelwal’s disappearance had begun to reveal cracks in the polished façade of Khandelwal Technologies, and each clue seemed to dig deeper into a tangled web of corporate maneuvering, personal vendettas, and shadowy figures operating from the margins of the company. However, as Kabir ventured further into the past, he found that the roots of the mystery reached far beyond the boardroom. The more he learned about Vikram and the people who had worked alongside him, the clearer it became that the CEO’s disappearance was part of something much larger—an intricate dance of ambition, betrayal, and deception. Kabir’s next step took him back to the days when Vikram Khandelwal was first starting to build his empire. He sought out an old business partner, Manoj Gupta, a retired entrepreneur who had once been involved in the foundation of Khandelwal Technologies. Manoj was a man of sixty, with silver hair and a weathered face, but his eyes still held a sharpness that spoke of a mind that had been through decades of corporate wars. Kabir met Manoj at a quiet café in a corner of Bangalore, where the older man agreed to speak under the condition of anonymity. As they sat down, Kabir quickly realized that Manoj’s relationship with Vikram had not been a simple one. They had shared successes and failures, but there had been a growing rift between them as the company expanded. Manoj was blunt about it—he and Vikram had clashed over the direction of Khandelwal Technologies. While Vikram had always been focused on expansion and aggressive acquisitions, Manoj had been more cautious, advocating for steady growth and ethical business practices. Their falling out had been monumental, with Manoj eventually leaving the company in the early days when Vikram had refused to listen to his advice. But even in his departure, Manoj had remained deeply connected to the company, watching from the sidelines as Vikram’s methods began to bear fruit—and also, in some cases, sow the seeds of future conflict. “Vikram was never one to play by the rules,” Manoj said, his voice lowering. “He was ruthless in his ambition. There were always whispers about what he would do to secure his position at the top. I don’t know if he was capable of murder, but he sure as hell didn’t care about who he crushed to get where he was.” The words hung in the air as Kabir digested them. It was clear that Vikram had a history of making enemies, but this was the first time someone had openly spoken of his moral indifference. Kabir leaned in. “Do you think anyone could have wanted him gone, for good?” he asked. Manoj hesitated for a moment, then nodded slowly. “Vikram had enemies, many of them in places you wouldn’t even imagine. His obsession with expanding his empire rubbed more than just business partners the wrong way. He stepped on a lot of toes, Kabir. If someone wanted him out of the way, it wouldn’t have been hard to make it happen.”
Kabir left the meeting with Manoj Gupta feeling both enlightened and troubled. The truth about Vikram Khandelwal was becoming more elusive by the hour. For every piece of information he uncovered, another layer of deception seemed to surface. It wasn’t just corporate espionage or a simple case of a failed merger—it was a story steeped in years of manipulation, broken promises, and the reckless pursuit of power. Kabir’s mind wandered back to Neha Rathi, the CEO of Rathi Innovations, and the fierce rivalry that had developed between her and Vikram. As he pieced together the various elements of the case, Kabir couldn’t ignore the personal animosity that seemed to simmer between the two of them. A rivalry that, for all its professional undertones, was deeply personal. Vikram’s obsession with dominating the tech industry had always included one goal: defeating Neha Rathi. In a strange twist of fate, Kabir had stumbled upon an old interview with Neha that provided a chilling insight into her psyche. In the interview, Neha had spoken about her company’s early struggles, admitting that the road to the top had been “paved with sacrifice, betrayal, and an unforgiving spirit.” The words were haunting, but it was what she had said about Vikram that struck Kabir the hardest: “I’ve always believed that in this business, there are no real friends, only rivals. And Vikram Khandelwal was my fiercest rival. A man who would stop at nothing to get what he wanted.” Kabir had suspected that Neha had personal reasons for wanting to see Vikram fall, but hearing her say it with such coldness confirmed it. The rivalry between them was deeper than mere business—it was a battle of egos, a clash of titans who had no qualms about using any means necessary to defeat the other. But Kabir wasn’t yet convinced that Neha was the mastermind behind Vikram’s disappearance. There was still the nagging feeling that someone inside Khandelwal Technologies—someone close to Vikram—had played a pivotal role in his vanishing. Kabir’s thoughts turned back to Isha Deshmukh and Rajeev Sharma, both of whom had shown signs of hiding something, though neither had openly revealed their involvement in the corporate power struggle. Isha’s emotional reaction during their meeting, her sudden defensiveness when the merger was mentioned, made Kabir suspect that she knew more than she had let on. Rajeev, too, had been far too evasive during their conversation. As the CFO, he had the means to manipulate financial reports, which could have been used to steer the merger in a direction that benefited certain individuals. Kabir could feel the web tightening around him as he considered all the players involved. Each of them had their own motives, and each of them had a stake in the outcome of the merger. But what about Vikram? Was he simply a casualty of this cutthroat battle, or had he, too, been playing a dangerous game of his own, one that would ultimately cost him everything?
Kabir’s next step was clear. He had to dig into the merger deal itself, to uncover the details hidden behind the carefully constructed narratives. There was something about the deal—the timing, the secrecy—that felt off. It wasn’t just about the failed merger; it was about the game of power and control that had been raging for years in the tech world. As Kabir prepared for the next phase of his investigation, he couldn’t shake the feeling that the answers he sought lay buried in the past—a past that was far darker and more treacherous than he had ever imagined. And as he left the quiet café where he had met Manoj Gupta, Kabir knew that he was getting closer to the truth. But the deeper he went, the more dangerous the waters became. Vikram’s disappearance had set off a chain of events that no one, not even Kabir, could predict.
Chapter 5: The Tech Conspiracy
The days blurred together for Kabir as he sifted through the mounting pile of documents, financial reports, and witness testimonies. With every passing hour, the truth about Vikram Khandelwal’s disappearance seemed to slip further out of reach. But there was something he hadn’t yet looked at closely enough—the intricacies of the tech deals themselves. While the merger between Khandelwal Technologies and Rathi Innovations was the centerpiece of the case, Kabir now realized that the heart of the conspiracy might lie in the tech behind the deal. The merger, initially seen as a potential breakthrough in the Indian tech sector, had faltered at the last minute, and Kabir couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that the tech assets being exchanged were the real prize—not just for Neha Rathi, but for someone much closer to Vikram. Someone who had the knowledge, access, and means to manipulate the deal to their own advantage. The company had been developing cutting-edge technology—an innovative software that could revolutionize the tech world. The potential for profit was enormous, but with it came immense risk. Kabir had uncovered evidence that this technology was at the heart of the merger and was, in fact, the reason why Neha Rathi had been so desperate to gain control of Khandelwal Technologies. Neha wasn’t just after a financial stake; she wanted the intellectual property—something that could reshape the future of the industry.
Kabir’s next move was to meet Rohan Bhatia again, the young executive who had earlier admitted to knowing more than he let on. This time, Kabir was more direct, and Rohan, though visibly anxious, seemed to be on the verge of breaking under the pressure. Kabir had learned that Rohan had been in close contact with both Vikram Khandelwal and Rajeev Sharma during the final stages of the merger. The junior executive had access to confidential files, strategic plans, and internal communications that, in the wrong hands, could cripple the company. Kabir could sense Rohan’s fear as the young man sat across from him in a secluded corner of the café. “You don’t know the full extent of what’s happening, do you?” Rohan whispered, his voice trembling. “Vikram wasn’t just trying to stop the merger, he was trying to protect something. The software… it’s not just any technology. It’s a key to something much bigger. It could change everything—every industry, not just tech.” Kabir leaned in, his pulse quickening. “Who else knows about this? Who’s behind it?” Rohan hesitated for a moment, then glanced nervously at the entrance of the café. “I don’t know who exactly, but I can tell you this—Rajeev Sharma is involved. I’m sure of it. He has been working with Neha Rathi’s team for months. They’ve been secretly negotiating, making deals in the background, all while pretending to be loyal to Vikram. It’s all about the software. They planned to take it, one way or another.” Kabir’s eyes narrowed. Rajeev had always been a slippery character, but this was a different level of deception. It wasn’t just corporate espionage—it was a full-blown conspiracy, with stakes far higher than anyone had imagined. Rajeev Sharma, the company’s CFO, had been pulling the strings behind the scenes, manipulating the merger to line his pockets and control the company’s most valuable asset. But it wasn’t just Rajeev—there were others involved, people who had infiltrated the very core of Khandelwal Technologies. The idea that Vikram had been trying to protect something so valuable, so dangerous, suddenly made sense. It wasn’t just a fight for control; it was a battle for the future itself.
Kabir needed to know more. He spent the next few days tracking down the details of the technology in question, following a trail that led him deep into the heart of Khandelwal Technologies’ R&D department. The software was still in its early stages but had the potential to revolutionize artificial intelligence. It was capable of adaptive learning, self-improvement, and had the potential to disrupt industries from healthcare to finance. As Kabir spoke with former engineers and developers who had worked on the project, he pieced together the extent of its capabilities. Vikram Khandelwal had poured millions into the software’s development, envisioning it as the cornerstone of his company’s future. But as the project neared completion, the tension between him and his closest associates began to rise. Vikram had grown paranoid, especially after learning that someone was trying to steal the technology. The idea of it falling into the wrong hands, particularly Neha Rathi’s, terrified him. The closer Kabir got to the heart of the software’s capabilities, the more it became clear that the stakes were far greater than just a corporate takeover. This wasn’t just about money—it was about control over the future of technology. And someone in Vikram’s inner circle had made the fatal decision to allow it to be stolen.
Kabir’s thoughts raced as he connected the dots. Rajeev Sharma, the CFO, had the financial means to orchestrate such a theft. His position allowed him to manipulate the company’s resources and keep the technology hidden until the right moment. Neha Rathi, with her extensive network of contacts in the tech world, was the perfect person to take the technology and bring it into the fold of Rathi Innovations, where she could control it and profit from it. But Kabir couldn’t understand why Vikram hadn’t made the decision to take more drastic action—why hadn’t he exposed the conspiracy sooner? It was as if something had stopped him, as though he had been planning his own way out, only to become a victim of his own creation. Kabir’s investigation had just turned a corner, and the case had grown even more dangerous. What had initially appeared to be a simple corporate rivalry was now a complex game of power, where the lines between friend and foe were blurred, and betrayal lurked at every corner. And with every new revelation, Kabir knew one thing for certain—the truth would be far darker than anyone could have imagined.
Chapter 6: A Web of Lies
Kabir’s head was spinning with the revelations he had uncovered so far. The conspiracy within Khandelwal Technologies had grown so complicated that it was hard to see where the lies began and the truth ended. The merger with Rathi Innovations had been nothing more than a smokescreen for corporate espionage—a way for certain individuals to siphon off the most valuable asset of the company: the cutting-edge software that could change the future of technology. But there were still gaps in his understanding, pieces of the puzzle that didn’t fit perfectly together. Vikram Khandelwal’s disappearance had to be tied to the fact that he had been aware of this betrayal. He had seen it coming, which explained why he had been so paranoid in the final days before he vanished. However, Kabir was beginning to suspect that Vikram had deliberately disappeared—not as a victim, but as a masterstroke in a larger game, a way to protect the technology he had worked so hard to create. But where was he now? Had he gone underground to escape the clutches of those who were after him, or had something far darker happened to him? Kabir knew one thing for sure: Vikram had known that his enemies were closing in on him, and he had taken steps to make sure the technology wouldn’t fall into the wrong hands. But who could be trusted in this tangled mess? Rajeev Sharma, the CFO, had already proven himself to be part of the plot. He had worked behind the scenes to manipulate financial documents and steer the company in the direction that benefitted him and Neha Rathi. But it wasn’t just about money. The real prize was the software, and Rajeev was more than willing to betray Vikram for a piece of that prize. Kabir needed to find him, but he also knew Rajeev wouldn’t make it easy. He was a man who had already shown he would stop at nothing to protect his interests.
Kabir’s next move was to pay a visit to Isha Deshmukh, Vikram’s trusted Vice President, who seemed to have an air of mystery surrounding her. There was something in her behavior that still didn’t sit right with Kabir. She had been defensive when asked about the merger, and her emotions seemed to fluctuate between nervousness and cold detachment. Kabir needed answers, and he was starting to believe that Isha knew far more about the inner workings of the company—and Vikram’s disappearance—than she had let on. He arranged a meeting at a local café in the heart of Bangalore, choosing the spot for its discreet location, far from the prying eyes of the company’s employees. As they sat across from each other, Kabir wasted no time. “Isha,” he began, his voice calm but firm, “You’ve been with Vikram for years. You know him better than anyone. But I’ve noticed something strange. You’ve been hiding something. Why did Vikram trust you so much, and why haven’t you been more forthcoming with the details of the merger?” Isha’s eyes flickered for a moment, then she quickly composed herself. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she replied, her voice cool and controlled. “Vikram was a visionary, but he wasn’t perfect. The merger was complicated, and things didn’t work out. I’m just doing my job, Kabir.” But Kabir could tell that something had shifted in her demeanor. Her jaw clenched ever so slightly, and the subtle twitch in her hand as she took a sip of her coffee did not escape him. She was hiding something, and Kabir could feel that the walls she had carefully built around herself were starting to crack. Kabir leaned forward slightly. “Isha, I’ve spoken to people. People who worked with you and Vikram, and I’ve uncovered some things that don’t add up. The software, the merger—Vikram wasn’t just trying to save his company. He was trying to protect something far more valuable. And I’m starting to think that you know what happened to him. You were too close to him, and you were too involved in the merger. Who are you really working for, Isha?” Her eyes widened for a fraction of a second, and Kabir saw the truth flicker there—just for an instant—before she masked it with a calculated calm. “I’ve already told you,” she said, her voice more forceful now. “I’m working for Khandelwal Technologies. My job is to ensure the company survives. I don’t know where Vikram is. I wish I did. But I can’t help you.” Kabir stood up, knowing the conversation was over. Isha wasn’t going to crack now, but he had planted the seed of doubt. She was hiding something, but Kabir had learned that when people tried too hard to bury the truth, it often meant they were standing on top of it. As he walked out of the café, Kabir couldn’t shake the feeling that Isha had played a much larger role in this conspiracy than she was letting on. She wasn’t just a passive observer in the battle over the technology. No, she had been an active participant, perhaps even the mastermind behind the manipulation that had led to the merger’s collapse and Vikram’s disappearance. But there was one more person Kabir needed to see—the elusive Neha Rathi.
Kabir knew that Neha had been pulling strings from the shadows, and as the CEO of Rathi Innovations, she had the power to control the entire narrative. If she was involved in the theft of the software, then it was likely she held the key to unraveling the entire conspiracy. But getting close to her wasn’t going to be easy. Neha had always been elusive, appearing in the media only when it suited her, and her public image was one of power, control, and invincibility. But Kabir had always been good at gaining access to the people others couldn’t reach. As he planned his next steps, Kabir knew that Neha was his next target. He had a gut feeling that if he could get to her, he would finally have all the pieces of the puzzle. And when the truth came out, it would be far more explosive than anyone could imagine. In the dark, tangled world of corporate espionage, betrayal was inevitable. But the question remained: who would be left standing when the dust settled?
Chapter 7: The Hidden Key
Kabir’s investigation had reached a critical point. With every lead, he found himself digging deeper into the labyrinth of corporate deceit that surrounded Khandelwal Technologies and Rathi Innovations. He could sense that the final pieces of the puzzle were close—just within reach—but every path he took seemed to open a new door filled with more questions, more secrets. He had no doubt now: Vikram Khandelwal’s disappearance was not just a tragic event. It was a well-planned move, designed to protect the company’s most prized possession: the software. But who could have orchestrated such a plan? Who had the means, the motive, and the knowledge to manipulate the players within the company while also managing to stay in the shadows? Kabir’s mind raced as he revisited the conversation with Isha Deshmukh. She had been too calm, too composed in the face of his accusations, and Kabir couldn’t shake the feeling that she knew far more than she had admitted. Rajeev Sharma, the CFO, had already proven himself to be part of the conspiracy, but Isha’s involvement had become even more suspect. Her defense of the company, her coldness when pressed about Vikram, spoke volumes. She wasn’t just a loyal employee—she was a key player in the scheme. But there was something else that Kabir had been missing, a thread he had yet to pull on. Vikram’s disappearance, the failed merger, the corporate espionage—it was all too convenient. Kabir began to wonder: Could it be that the tech itself—the adaptive learning software—was the key to everything? And if so, who else had the expertise to unlock it?
Kabir needed answers. And for that, he needed to speak with Neha Rathi.
Neha had always been a step ahead, the mastermind behind Rathi Innovations’ meteoric rise. She was the type of leader who didn’t just play the game—she controlled it. And as the CEO of Rathi Innovations, she had both the ambition and the resources to make the impossible happen. Her involvement in the merger was no accident. She had known about the adaptive learning software, and she had known what it was capable of. It wasn’t just about acquiring Khandelwal Technologies—it was about acquiring the future itself. Kabir had been chasing her for weeks, and finally, an opportunity had come. He had received word that Neha would be attending an exclusive tech summit at a luxury hotel in the city. The summit was a gathering of Bangalore’s elite, a place where the biggest players in the tech world would discuss innovations, partnerships, and investments. It was the perfect venue for Kabir to make his move. He could blend in, watch, and finally confront Neha, face to face. As he arrived at the summit, Kabir couldn’t help but feel a surge of anticipation. The venue was opulent—glass walls reflecting the skyline of the city, the air thick with the hum of whispered conversations, and the clinking of champagne glasses. But beneath the surface of this high-end event, Kabir knew that something darker was at play. The stakes were higher now. If he could get to Neha, he could expose the conspiracy for what it was. But Kabir also knew that getting close to her wouldn’t be easy. Neha had a reputation for being untouchable, and she had a way of controlling the narrative wherever she went. But Kabir had his own brand of patience. He observed her from afar, noting her calm demeanor, the way she moved through the crowd, commanding attention with every step. She spoke with investors, exchanged pleasantries with other CEOs, and laughed at jokes that Kabir knew were nothing more than pleasantries. Neha Rathi was a woman of many faces, but Kabir wasn’t fooled. He could see the cold calculation beneath her polished exterior.
Finally, after what felt like hours, Kabir found his moment. He approached Neha under the guise of a tech entrepreneur seeking investment, the kind of persona he had perfected over the years. She turned to him with a smile, a smile that seemed to say, “I know who you are, but I will entertain you nonetheless.” The conversation began with pleasantries, a few exchanges about the future of tech and the direction of the industry. But Kabir’s eyes were locked onto hers, and as he spoke, he was measuring every word, every gesture. Then, as the conversation turned towards the recent merger between Khandelwal Technologies and Rathi Innovations, Kabir made his move. “You must be disappointed by how things turned out,” Kabir said, casually, almost as if he were asking for her opinion on a movie. “Such a promising merger, but in the end, it fell apart. Was it just a matter of bad luck?” Neha’s smile didn’t waver, but Kabir could see the change in her eyes. There was a flicker, a brief moment of tension, before she replied, “Business isn’t about luck, Mr. Deshmukh. It’s about strategy. Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and we adjust.” Her voice was calm, but Kabir could hear the undercurrent of something else—defensiveness, perhaps. “But you were in such a strong position, weren’t you? I mean, Rathi Innovations stands to gain a lot, even without the merger,” Kabir pressed. “The software you were after… it could change everything.” Neha’s gaze sharpened, the smile slipping away as she leaned in slightly. “You’re mistaken, Mr. Deshmukh,” she said, her voice low, controlled. “You don’t understand the scope of what you’re dealing with. The software is only a small part of the bigger picture.” Kabir’s heart raced. He had her. She was dancing around the question, but there was no mistaking it now. “What bigger picture, Neha?” Kabir asked, his tone steady, his eyes never leaving hers. For a long moment, Neha said nothing. The tension in the air thickened, the hum of the summit fading into the background. Then, almost as if she had made a decision, Neha spoke softly, her words carrying the weight of a revelation. “What you don’t understand, Kabir, is that this isn’t just about technology. This is about control. Control over the future of everything—the economy, politics, even the human mind itself. The software… it’s just the beginning. Whoever controls it controls the world.” Kabir’s mind spun as her words sank in. This wasn’t just a corporate takeover. This was a war over the future of humanity itself, and everyone involved in the merger—the people he had trusted, the people he had suspected—had been pawns in a much larger, more dangerous game.
Before Kabir could respond, Neha smiled, a knowing, almost predatory smile. “You’re too late, Mr. Deshmukh. The pieces are already in place.”
Kabir’s heart pounded in his chest as he watched Neha slip back into the crowd, her words echoing in his mind. The game had changed. What had started as a simple missing person’s case had evolved into something far more sinister—a battle for the future of technology, power, and control.
And now, Kabir knew that he was no longer just investigating a crime—he was standing at the edge of a revolution.
Chapter 8: The Final Betrayal
Kabir left the tech summit with a sense of urgency gnawing at his gut. Neha’s cryptic words echoed in his mind, each one ringing louder than the last. Control over the future of everything—the economy, politics, even the human mind itself. She had spoken of the software as if it were a weapon, a key to shaping the future of the world. But what did she mean? Was the software truly capable of such power, or was it simply another way to manipulate the tech world for personal gain? Kabir knew he had to move fast—Neha had hinted that the pieces were already in place. The conspiracy was no longer just about corporate espionage or a failed merger. It was about a new world order, one controlled by those who had the resources to shape it. And now, Kabir had to decide where he stood in this game.
His first stop was Rajeev Sharma, the CFO of Khandelwal Technologies. Kabir had always known that Rajeev was a key player in the conspiracy, but now the stakes had changed. Rajeev was no longer just a greedy businessman. He was part of a much larger plan, one that involved control over a technology capable of changing the very fabric of society. Kabir had to confront him—get him to admit his role in the conspiracy and, hopefully, uncover who else was involved. Rajeev, as expected, was difficult to pin down. He had always been a master of deflection, a man who could manipulate the truth with a well-timed word or a carefully crafted silence. But Kabir had learned to read him over the past few weeks, and today, he was determined to break him. Kabir arranged a meeting at a quiet bar, far from the prying eyes of the corporate world. Rajeev arrived punctually, his usual calm demeanor intact, but there was something different in his eyes—a flicker of unease, perhaps, or the weight of a man who knew the end was near.
“What is it, Mr. Deshmukh?” Rajeev asked, sitting down without ceremony. “I trust this isn’t just another round of questions about Vikram’s disappearance.” Kabir didn’t waste time with pleasantries. “This is about more than just Vikram, Rajeev. You know it. The merger, the software, the stolen technology… everything’s part of something much bigger. And I want to know where you stand in all of this.” Rajeev took a long sip of his drink, his eyes narrowing slightly. “You’re chasing shadows, Kabir. This isn’t about some grand conspiracy. This is business. The software—yes, it’s valuable. But you have no idea what’s at stake here.” Kabir’s eyes locked onto his. “I have a pretty good idea. This is about control, isn’t it? Control over something far bigger than Khandelwal Technologies or Rathi Innovations. The software you’ve been protecting—it’s the key, isn’t it? It’s the future.” Rajeev stiffened, his jaw tightening. Kabir pressed on. “Tell me, Rajeev—how far were you willing to go to secure that power? Did you think you could just take it for yourself?” Rajeev’s smile was tight, almost grim. “You have no idea what you’re dealing with,” he said softly. “Vikram didn’t understand, and now you don’t either. The software wasn’t just a product. It was an answer—an answer to a problem that could reshape the entire world. And I’m not talking about business.” His voice dropped lower, almost to a whisper. “We were being watched, Kabir. All of us. There were people who knew what we were building. People who wanted it, and they were prepared to do anything to take it.” Kabir’s heart skipped a beat. “Who?” he asked. “Who else is involved in this?” Rajeev’s gaze flickered for a moment, and Kabir could see the shift in his expression—a mixture of fear and resignation. But before he could answer, the door to the bar opened with a soft chime. Kabir turned to see a tall, shadowy figure step inside, their presence unmistakable. Rajeev’s face drained of color as he looked toward the figure. “It’s too late,” Rajeev muttered, his voice shaking. “You shouldn’t have come here.” The figure moved toward them with deliberate steps, the faint glow of the bar’s neon lights casting an eerie shadow over their face. Kabir’s pulse quickened. There was something about this person—something that told him they were the final piece of the puzzle.
The figure stopped at their table, and for a moment, there was silence. Then, in a smooth, almost amused voice, they spoke. “Mr. Deshmukh, I believe you’ve been busy.” Kabir felt the chill run down his spine as the figure slid into the seat opposite him. The person’s face was obscured by the shadows, but their presence was undeniable. “You’ve been asking too many questions, Mr. Deshmukh,” the figure continued. “And I’m afraid you’re starting to uncover things that were never meant to be uncovered.” Kabir’s eyes never left the figure, but his mind raced. Who were they? A new player in the game, or someone who had been pulling the strings from the beginning? “Who are you?” Kabir demanded. “What do you want?” The figure chuckled softly, a cold sound that sent a shiver down Kabir’s spine. “I think you know exactly who I am,” they said, their voice now more distinct. “And what I want is simple: the same thing you want. Control. But I don’t have time for your investigation, Kabir. The game is over.” In a flash, the figure’s hand moved to the table, revealing a small device—a sleek, unassuming object, but one that sent a wave of dread through Kabir’s chest. The device glowed faintly, its purpose unclear, but Kabir knew that whatever it was, it wasn’t good. Rajeev looked at the device with wide eyes, his face a mixture of terror and helplessness. “I—I didn’t know it was going this far,” he stammered. “I didn’t…” The figure’s eyes locked onto Kabir’s, and in that moment, Kabir understood. The game had been rigged from the start. Rajeev wasn’t the mastermind—he was merely a tool. The person sitting across from him was the true architect of the conspiracy. And Kabir had walked right into their trap.
“You’ve done your part, Rajeev,” the figure said coldly, turning toward him. “Now, it’s time to clean up.” With that, the figure stood, their movements swift and precise. Rajeev didn’t have time to react. In one smooth motion, the figure activated the device, and within seconds, Rajeev’s body slumped forward, lifeless. Kabir’s heart stopped. This was no longer just a battle for corporate power—it was a fight for survival. And as the figure turned to face him, Kabir realized the truth: the game was over, and he had just become the next target.
Chapter 9: The Last Move
Kabir barely had time to process what had just happened. Rajeev’s lifeless body lay sprawled across the table, his face frozen in a grimace of terror. The figure who had killed him—no, the figure who had orchestrated everything—turned to Kabir with a cold, calculating stare. The words that followed were the final confirmation that Kabir had been chasing a much more dangerous beast than he’d ever anticipated.
“You don’t have much time, Mr. Deshmukh,” the figure said, their voice smooth as velvet, laced with a dark promise. “You’ve walked right into our game, but you’re not a player. You never were. You’re just the unfortunate witness to something much bigger than you can understand.”
Kabir’s mind raced as he processed the events unfolding in front of him. He had been led to this moment—his every step manipulated, every move calculated by someone who had been controlling the strings from behind the scenes. But who? And why?
His eyes darted to the device on the table. The sleek, metallic object still glowed faintly, almost pulsating. It was clear that the device wasn’t just a tool for eliminating Rajeev. Kabir’s instincts kicked in. This wasn’t the end of the road. This was the beginning of the final battle.
“Who are you?” Kabir demanded, his voice low but resolute. “What do you want from me?”
The figure leaned closer, the light from the neon bar flickering against their face. Their features were now partially revealed: a sharp jawline, cold eyes, and an unnerving sense of control. It wasn’t until they spoke again that Kabir realized the truth.
“You’ve been asking that question for weeks, but you’ve never figured it out, have you?” The figure’s lips curled into a thin smile. “My name doesn’t matter. What matters is the future we’ve built. And you—you’re nothing but a nuisance in a game much bigger than you ever imagined.”
A wave of dread washed over Kabir. “The software… it’s not just business, is it? You want more than control over tech. You want… everything.”
The figure didn’t answer immediately. Instead, they turned toward the device again, tapping a few buttons. A holographic screen flickered to life, displaying a network of interwoven lines, names, and data. It was the future they had been working toward: a new world order powered by the software.
Kabir’s heart sank. The realization hit him hard. The software wasn’t just a tool—it was a means to control the very fabric of the world. From global economies to political systems, from healthcare to defense, whoever controlled the software would control everything.
“I was wondering when you’d figure it out,” the figure said, their voice taking on an almost amused tone. “This isn’t about money or corporate dominance, Kabir. This is about rewriting the rules of society. You’ve seen the tech. You’ve seen the potential. What you don’t know is that this software could create a perfect, predictable world. Every move, every reaction, perfectly mapped out. A system that knows how people think, how they act. A society run by algorithms, governed by data. Controlled.”
Kabir’s blood ran cold as the figure’s words settled in. They weren’t just building a business empire—they were building an empire of control. An empire that could eradicate free will.
“But it’s not just about making things efficient,” the figure continued, their smile fading into something colder. “It’s about power, Kabir. Absolute power. We’ll know everything. We’ll control everything. And you? You were never meant to be part of this new world. You’re just an obstacle.”
Kabir’s hands tightened into fists. It was clear now. Vikram hadn’t just been trying to protect his company. He had been trying to protect the world from this very future—from a world where no one was free, where everyone’s actions were calculated by a machine, where every decision was engineered for the benefit of a few.
“You’re wrong,” Kabir said, his voice steady despite the rush of adrenaline in his veins. “You’re underestimating something fundamental: you can’t control people. You can manipulate them, deceive them, but you can’t predict every choice they’ll make. That’s where your plan fails. That’s where you fail.”
The figure’s eyes darkened, and for a moment, Kabir thought he had finally struck a nerve. But the figure merely shook their head, as if amused by Kabir’s defiance.
“You’re naive, Mr. Deshmukh,” they said with a cold chuckle. “You think this is about people? No. It’s about control. And people—people can be controlled.” The figure straightened and turned toward the door. “You’ll see soon enough. The world will bend to our will, and when it does, you’ll understand the truth.”
Kabir made his move. With a swift motion, he grabbed the device on the table, tossing it into his bag. “I’ll stop you,” he said, his voice filled with determination. “I’ll expose this. All of it.”
The figure paused, turning slightly, their gaze fixed on Kabir for a moment. Then, without another word, they turned and walked out of the bar, disappearing into the night. Kabir’s heart pounded, but he knew this wasn’t the end—it was the beginning of the final confrontation. The game was over for Rajeev, but for Kabir, the battle was just beginning.
Chapter 10: The Last Stand
Kabir stood alone in the dimly lit bar, his heart still pounding from the confrontation. The weight of the device in his bag felt heavier than it had any right to be. He hadn’t fully grasped the enormity of what was happening until now. The figure who had just left—the mastermind behind the conspiracy—wasn’t just a corporate player. They were trying to change the world. They wanted a future where every choice, every action, was controlled, where the lines between free will and algorithmic prediction blurred beyond recognition. Kabir had no illusions now. If he didn’t stop them, if he didn’t expose the truth, this future would become a reality, and no one would be able to stop it.
He was shaken, but he had no time to waste. Rajeev was dead, his life snuffed out without a second thought. It was the final warning: Kabir had become a target in a game far more dangerous than he’d ever imagined. The figure had been right about one thing—they had underestimated him. Kabir wasn’t just some investigator chasing a missing CEO anymore. He was a man who had stepped into a war for the future, and now, he had to fight to keep that future from slipping away into the hands of the powerful.
Kabir didn’t waste time thinking of the consequences. He had learned enough over the past weeks to know what had to be done. He had to get to the software—the key to everything. Vikram Khandelwal, the missing CEO, had been right all along. It wasn’t just about the company or the money. The software was the weapon, and the people behind this plot—whether it was Neha Rathi, the shadowy figure, or someone else—had to be stopped before they unleashed a future none of them could control.
He checked his phone. A new message from Isha Deshmukh appeared on the screen: “Meet me at the old office. It’s the only place left where you’ll get answers.”
Kabir knew that Isha had been playing a dangerous game all along. She was deep in this, whether she had wanted to be or not. But now, she seemed to be reaching out. She knew the stakes, and maybe, just maybe, she could still help him.
The old office of Khandelwal Technologies was eerily quiet when Kabir arrived. The place had once been a hub of innovation, filled with the bright minds of the company’s engineers, programmers, and strategists. Now, it felt like a ghost town. The lights flickered as Kabir made his way through the deserted hallways, every step echoing through the empty space. He reached the conference room, where Isha was waiting.
She looked tired, her usual composed demeanor replaced with visible stress. But there was something else in her eyes—guilt, perhaps. Or was it fear?
“You’ve come,” she said, her voice low, almost hesitant. “I don’t know how much time we have, but you need to listen to me, Kabir. I was wrong. I’ve been part of this scheme, but I didn’t know the full picture. I thought I could control it, I thought we could use the technology for good. But the people involved—they have different plans. They want to turn everything into a weapon.”
Kabir felt a wave of urgency. “Who? Who are they?”
Isha’s face was pale as she spoke. “Neha Rathi’s been playing a dangerous game with the tech, but there’s someone else—a backer who’s been orchestrating everything from the shadows. It’s someone who’s been funding both Khandelwal Technologies and Rathi Innovations from the very beginning. Someone with enough money and influence to manipulate the entire tech world. That person… is Sanjay Rao.”
Kabir’s heart skipped a beat. Sanjay Rao—the name had been a whisper in the background, one he had only heard in passing. A billionaire tech investor, rumored to have connections across multiple industries, but who had always managed to stay in the shadows.
“I should have known,” Kabir muttered. “Sanjay Rao is the puppet master.”
Isha nodded gravely. “He’s the one who funded Vikram’s early ventures. He’s been pulling strings all along, and he’s the one who’s been pushing the merger with Rathi Innovations. The software was never just about the company—it was always about building the foundation for something bigger. A system that could control everything. He wants a new world order, one where he controls the flow of information, the economy, everything.”
Kabir clenched his fists. “We have to stop him.”
Isha looked around nervously. “It’s too late, Kabir. The software’s already out there. Once they activate it, there’s no turning back. The system is designed to learn, to adapt, to become smarter with every piece of data it processes. It won’t be long before it’s everywhere—controlling industries, governments, people’s lives. Sanjay and Neha will be the ones in charge of it all.”
Kabir’s mind raced as he processed her words. It was worse than he’d imagined. This wasn’t just about corporate greed or even power. This was about control on a global scale.
He looked at Isha, the desperation in his eyes. “We can still stop it. We can expose this. The software—it has a kill switch, doesn’t it? A way to shut it down?”
Isha hesitated for a moment before answering. “Yes, there is. But you’ll need access to the server room, the core system. It’s hidden in one of the secure locations at Rathi Innovations. That’s where they plan to activate it.”
Kabir nodded grimly. “Then we go there. We stop them before it’s too late.”
The final showdown was set. Kabir and Isha made their way to Rathi Innovations, racing against time as they dodged security and evaded the eyes of those who would do anything to stop them. The world was on the brink of a revolution—one that no one had asked for and few could even comprehend.
They reached the heart of the server room, where Neha Rathi and Sanjay Rao were already there, standing at the center of a complex web of screens and data. The hum of the machines filled the air, their relentless processing creating an almost hypnotic rhythm.
“You’re too late,” Neha said, a cold smile playing on her lips. “The system is already live. It’s beyond your control now.”
Kabir took a deep breath. This was it. The final moment. He reached for the device in his bag, the one he had taken from the bar. It was the only thing that could stop the software from activating—and it was his last chance to save the world from the chaos that was about to unfold.
With a swift motion, he activated the device. The room went silent as the screens flickered, the system grinding to a halt.
Neha and Sanjay turned to him in disbelief, but it was too late.
Kabir had won.
End
